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Trail running shoes from Nike, Hoka and more.
If you plan on hitting the trails this spring and summer, you’ll want to find the perfect shoe.
To help you shop, we turned to Zappos senior running and cycling footwear expert Jewels Busenberg.
Below, Busenberg answers all of our footwear questions.
What is a trail running shoe?
“Trail running shoes mix a balance of breathability and durability because you are more likely to end up with wet feet trail running than road running, and you could be running over rocks, sticks and streams, so the shoes need to hold up,” Busenberg told “Good Morning America.”
“Trail running shoes will have a pronounced, rugged outsole and will include lugs for added traction. If you’re running on stones and dirt, you will want a shorter lug. If you’re running on mud or soft surfaces, like snow, you will want deeper lugs,” Busenberg added.
Should I size up?
“Yes, same as a running shoe, you want a thumb-width of free space from the top of the toe to the end of the shoe. You’ll also want a snugger feel below the foot and through the heel,” Busenberg said.
What is the difference between a sneaker and trail shoe?
“A sneaker has basic principles and supporting factors, whereas a trail shoe’s design takes into account so many factors — grip, weatherproofing, breathability and more,” Busenberg said.
Scroll down to shop our picks for men and women.
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Women’s
SHOP: Shape Sneaker Award winners 2024.